September 20, 2018
5 Tips to Prepare for Interpreted Depositions
By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: Deposition
If you are to collect depositions from witnesses that don’t speak or understand English, you will need to employ the services of an interpreter. Professional interpreters can translate both questions and answers providing you with an accurate account of the witness’s testimony.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for interpreted depositions:
Use Only Court Certified Interpreters
Because you are dealing with legal documents that will be used in a court of law, most courts require that you hire an interpreter who is certified by the court. This means that they meet specific standards the court requires in terms of accuracy and professionalism.
Impress Accuracy Over Helpfulness
There are times when an interpreter may try to assist the person being deposed. It’s important to impress to the interpreter that the statement must be in the witness’ own words and as accurate as possible. They should avoid assisting them by trying to help them formulate an answer.
Allow for Extra Time
When you need to use an interpreter, you will need to allow for extra time. You will need to allow time for the question to be translated to the person being deposed. Once they answer, you will need to allow time for the interpreter to translate the answer back to your transcriptionist.
Don’t Rush the Person Being Interviewed or the Interpreter
It’s extremely important to allow the interpreter the time they need to translate the questions and answers as accurately as possible. Rushing through the deposition will lead to mistakes and inaccuracies that may compromise the legal proceedings.
Be Patient
Be patient during the deposition. The person being interviewed may be nervous and have trouble formulating their answers. Allow them to take the time they need to give the most accurate answer possible.
Depositions are an integral part of many court proceedings. When you use a court-certified interpreter, you are guaranteed a level of professionalism that assures accuracy and confidentiality.
Colleen Jilio-Ryan is the Owner of Jilio-Ryan, a Tustin based premiere law consulting firm. The firm along with its certified court reporters is dedicated to providing the highest quality deposition and litigation services to attorneys, insurance companies, and corporations. With her sincere efforts, Colleen is committed to meeting the highest standards of the legal industry, and is an industry leader when it comes to on-time court reporting and deposition scheduling.